Block style will help, believes captain Rudolph

GLAMORGAN skipper Jacques Rudolph is adamant the new block of one-day matches can help his side overcome their disappointing end to last season’s campaign.

The Cardiff outfit began the 2016 tournament in red-hot form, winning their opening three matches before four straight defeats and a no result against Sunday’s opponents, Surrey, saw them slip out of contention in the South Group.

But 93-time South Africa international Rudolph, 35, is certain that this new format will allow his charges to flourish in the competition.

“Playing in a one block format means we will be able to keep our focus on one competition at a time,” he said. “Last year we started very well, but we couldn’t keep the momentum in the second lot of fixtures.”

New South African recruit Marchant de Lange impressed, taking five wickets against Leicestershire in the County Championship, and Rudolph is excited to see what the 26year-old can do with the white ball.

He added: “When Timm (van der Gugten) arrived last year, it took him two or three games to get used to what is an effective length in the UK, and Marchant has bowled really well.

“In his first 15 overs against Leicestershire he didn’t concede a boundary and picked up three wickets. As he learns more about his game and playing in the UK he will become dangerous.”